Google announced Android Things as an internet-of-things platform back in 2017. The platform was intended to support a plethora of lightweight devices, but it has mainly been used to showcase Google Assistant-powered smart displays and speakers. Going forward, those are the only products Android Things will be certified for.
In a post on the Android Developers Blog, Google announced that they will be refocusing the platform to be exclusively for smart speakers and displays. Previously, the platform was intended to support at least four system-on-modules, which manufacturers could use to have their device certified by Google. However, none of these system-on-modules ever made it into consumer products.
“Over the past year, Google has worked closely with partners to create consumer products powered by Android Things with the Google Assistant built-in. Given the successes we have seen with our partners in smart speakers and smart displays, we are refocusing Android Things as a platform for OEM partners to build devices in those categories moving forward.”
Google did say they will continue to support hobbyist experimentation with Android Things, so people who tinker with the developer kits can continue to do so. Manufacturers who wish to build a non-smart display or speaker can use Cloud IoT Core or Cloud IoT Edge, as suggested by Google. We don’t know exactly why Google is choosing to focus on only speakers and displays, but it’s clear this is the direction the company is going towards.
Source: Android Developers Blog
Refference - xdadevelopers.com
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